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oz.a.n E N G I N E E R I N G X(xq.uM Xi.n INTRODUCTION 10/25/2011 Storage Feasibility Report Page 1 This report has been prepared by Colorado River Engineering, Inc. (CRE) to the present the feasibility study that have been completed for the repair of existing water storage structures and the development of new storage structures for the Town of LaVeta (Town). Improvements are required by the Town to upgrade the existing deficient structures. Development of new storage structures can maximize the yield from the existing water rights held by the Town. The study does not include enlargement of the existing reservoir structures but recommends that repairs be made in a manner that would not restrict future enlargement opportunities. Repair work and development of new storage structures would be completed in phases as funding is available. Storage is a critical component of the water supply for the Town. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The Town of LaVeta is located along the Cucharas River at the foothills of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range in Southeastern Colorado (Figure 1). The 2010 census shows a population of 80,0 with 415 households. The Town is situated downstream of the Cucharas resort area and upstream of the City of Walsenburg. The Cucharas River is tributary to the Huerfano River which is tributary to the Arkansas River. LaVeta is located in Colorado Water Division 2, Water District 16. Water Resources The Cucharas River provides a very limited supply of water for the predominant agricultural and municipal users in the watershed. USGS streamflow data for the Cucharas River at Boyd Ranch shows the stream has an average annual flow of 22 cubic feet per second (cfs). During the late summer months and winter periods, the stream flow drops to levels of less than 16 -cfs. This flow range is able to serve the 1St, 21,d, and a portion of the 3rd most senior water rights in the basin. During the drought periods of 2003 and the summer of 2011, the river had been at flows of less than 5 -cfs with periods of flow averaging a limited 2 -cfs. Due to limited streamflow in the river during the late summer months and the minimal flows in drought periods, water, supply demands can only be met through the use of previously stored water. The Town has historically implemented water use restrictions to limit in -house uses during dry and drought periods. Water storage is essential in providing a reliable water supply to the Town of LaVeta. The Town receives its water supply from the Cucharas River. Diversions occur at the LaVeta Pipeline Headgate located in Section 5, Township 30 South, Range 68 West. The 15 -inch diameter steel pipeline travels approximately two miles prior to entering the 160 -acre Town property located in Section 28, Township 29 South, Range 68 West (Figure 1). The Town property includes the "North" Lake, "South" Lake, and the Water Treatment Plant (WTP). Multiple options exist for the splitting of water for the deliveries from the river as well as from the reservoirs. The supply currently can be split three ways, with flow to either lake or directly to the WTP. Valving prior to the WTP can also deliver raw water to the Town cemetery for irrigation or bypass water for emergency bypass releases. Each lake has an outlet pipe that is connected under pressure back to the pipeline supplying the WTP (Figure 2).